This information leaflet has been produced by Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Maternity Unit to provide information to pregnant women about their baby’s movements in pregnancy.
My baby’s movements
You should start to feel your baby move somewhere between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first baby, you might not feel movements until after 20 weeks.
The movements can feel like a gentle swirling or fluttering. As your pregnancy progresses, you may feel kicks, rolls and jerky movements.
There is no specific number of movements that is considered normal. Instead, we advise that you take note of baby’s pattern of movements, for example the times your baby tends to move throughout the day.
You will likely feel your baby’s movements increase until about 32 weeks and then the pattern should stay the same until your baby is born. Your baby will also have sleep periods that mostly last between 20 and 90 minutes. Babies often don’t move during sleep periods.
Why are my baby’s movements important?
Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well. The important thing is to get to know your baby’s usual movements from day to day as not every baby is the same.
What should I do if I am worried about my baby’s movements?
If your baby is moving less than usual or you cannot feel your baby moving any more do not wait until the next day, please call the Pregnancy Assessment Unit (PAU) or your community midwife straight away.
Between 16 weeks pregnant and 25 weeks and 6 days pregnant your community midwife can assess your baby’s heartbeat within a clinic setting or at your home.
Community Midwives – 0191 445 5306 or 445 6323
From 26 weeks onwards, you can call the Pregnancy Assessment Unit via the number below. Extended monitoring of your baby is required by CTG and a full antenatal check. Please note the pregnancy assessment unit is open 24 hours per day.
Pregnancy Assessment Unit – 0191 445 2764
Safety warning
Please do not use hand held monitors or phone apps to self-assess your baby. Health professionals receive extensive training in order to recognise assuring and non-reassuring heart sounds.
- It is not true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy or whilst in labour
- Every episode of reduced movements requires investigation
- For more information about your baby’s movements, talk to your midwife
Useful sources of information and national guidance
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-symptom-checker/baby-fetal-movements
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng201/chapter/Recommendations 2021NG201
https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/2mwncs1v/pi-your-babys-movements-in-pregnancy.pdf
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements
Shared decision making
At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Maternity Unit, we advocate a shared decision making approach to all decisions made by our patients. This leaflet aims to give you additional information and to act as a point of reference following a discussion with your obstetrician or midwife. If you are asked to make a decision about your own care please make sure you have asked all the questions you need to ask and are given the appropriate time to do so. Some questions you might want to as could be;
- What are my options?
- What are the pros and cons of each option?
- Who will support me making the decision that is the right one for me?
Contact number
If you have any additional queries please contact:
Your Community Midwife on: 0191 445 5306 (08:30-16:30)
The Pregnancy Assessment Unit on: 0191 445 2764 (24 hours)
Delivery Suite on: 0191 445 2150 (24 hours)